Table IV.
Comparison of Baculovirus and Other Viral Vectors
| Features | Retroviral | Lentiviral | Adenoviral | AAV | Baculoviral |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of preparation | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Packaging capacity | 7–7.5 kb | 7–7.5 kb | Up to 30 kb | 3.5–4 kb | >38 kb |
| Route of administration | Ex vivo | Ex/in vivo | Ex/in vivo | Ex/in vivo | Ex/in vivo |
| Vector genome forms | Integrated | Integrated | Episomal | Episomala | Episomal |
| Gene expression duration | Short | Long | Short | Long | Short |
| Tropism | Dividing cell | Broad | Broad | Broad | Broad |
| Immune response | Low | Low | High | Unknown | Unknown |
| Preexisting immunity | Unlikely | Unlikely | Yes | Yes | Unlikely |
| Safety | Integration may induce oncogenesis | Integration may induce oncogenesis | Inflammatory response, toxicity | Inflammatory response, toxicity | Highb |
a
AAV can mediate site‐specific integration into human chromosome 19, but common AAV vectors do not contain the rep gene and thus cannot mediate integration. However, random integration may occur.
b
Baculoviruses are considered safe, but more studies are required to confirm the safety in in vivo and ex vivo applications.